Unlike the disruptive process for building the SkyTrain Canada Line, construction for the 11-km long, 6 station SkyTrain Evergreen Line has been smooth sailing with few complaints and relatively limited impacts on road traffic. Much of this can be attributed to the line’s route running alongside existing freight rail tracks, a 2-km long bored tunnel, and lessons learnt from the Canada Line.

Nevertheless, most Metro Vancouverites might be surprised to see how much Evergreen Line construction has progressed since shovels first went into the ground last year. Many columns have been poured and elevated track guideways in certain areas have been erected.

Running 24 hours a day, and assuming there will be no issues that cause delays, it will take approximately a year for the tunnel boring machine to complete the underground tube which will reach a depth of 60-metres at its lowest point.

Seattle is currently in the process of building a new road tunnel to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct. However, tunnel boring came to a halt last week when either a large glacial boulder or concrete chunk got stuck within the spokes of the 17.5-metre diameter machine. The machine now sits still 18-feet underground and after only completing one-tenth of the tunnel. It is not known when digging will resume.

When the Evergreen Line opens, it will allow commuters to travel from Lougheed Station to the terminus at Lafarge Lake-Douglas Station near Coquitlam Centre in just 15 minutes. Trains will arrive every 3-minutes during most service hours.

With thanks to Grant Mattice and MaDog222 for Evergreen Line construction photography. These construction photos were taken over the last few weeks.

Installation and assembly of the tunnel boring machine at the Port Moody launch pit.